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But the German minister has called for a second referendum as exit talks continue between Britain and the EU.

She told German newspaper Die Zeit: "I think it would only be fair if the British people had a second referendum after the negotiations.

“They should be given a chance to vote on whether this is what they really want.”

She went on: "I respect the decision of the British people. But I think its tragic."

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Katarina Barley

And she claimed attempts by the UK to end free movement and the powers of the European Court of Justice would result in “no agreement” between the bloc and UK.

She added, even if Prime Minister Theresa May were to resign and was replaced with a hardliner, the negotiations deadlock would not end.

Ms Barley said: “I do not think that would change anything.

“The EU will continue to stick to its tough course against the British. Our message is clear: there is no better deal.

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Theresa May is negotiating with the EU

“Anything else would be a threat to the integrity of the European Union.”

It is not the first time Ms Barley has made the call for a second referendum.

Back in April, the Social Democrat caused outrage after claiming a new poll was needed because “nobody knew what Brexit was about”.

She said at the time: “When the referendum was held, nobody really knew what it would be about - not the British people, not even the political class.

“A lot of people wrongfully thought that Britain could get a deal like Switzerland or Norway without the inconveniences, without accepting the rulings of the European Court of Justice, without free movement of labour.

“Now they know that this isn’t the case and they should be asked to vote again on this.”

She is one of a number of people to call for a second referendum despite the Government repeatedly ruling the vote out.

The Lib Dems have come out in support of the idea and Labour's Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has also suggested his party could back it.

But, with negotiations nearing their second stage and MPs poring over the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, the idea shows no sign of getting off the ground.

Public support for the idea also appears to have collapsed.

A petition calling for a second referendum immediately after last year’s referendum attracted support from over four million people.

But a similar online campaign this year struggled to get more than 130,000 signatures and was quickly dismissed by the Government.